Azle ISD is committed to making our schools the safest places for our children and the adults who serve them. This includes supporting the social and emotional health of children and adults through communication and vigilance. We have several safety and security measures in place and have a strong working relationship with the City of Azle, the Azle Police Department, and the Azle Fire Department.

Licensed Police Officers - The Azle ISD Chief of Police, Darren Brockway, oversees Azle ISD safety and security measures and truancy prevention. He also has a strong presence on all Azle ISD campuses. All Azle ISD officers meet all current TCLOE licensed peace officer requirements and carry firearms. 

Safety Committee - Our Azle ISD Safety Committee meets at least once per semester. The Committee is made up of at least one representative from each campus, the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent, central office administrators, the Azle ISD Police Department, Azle Police Department, Azle Fire Department, lead counselors, and an Azle ISD Board Member liaison.

Emergency Training - Emergency training and response plans are in place to ensure students and staff know what to do in a crisis. Azle ISD central administration, campus administration, Azle ISD Police Department, Azle Police, and Azle Fire Department conduct yearly formal training on topics including active shooter discussions and tabletop scenarios using the NIMS incident command center structure. Follow-up training and tabletop scenarios continue throughout the year. 

Emergency Drills - Periodic practice drills are given to ensure students and staff are prepared for an emergency. Drills and exercises offer the opportunity for students and staff to learn their roles and responsibilities before, during, and after any type of emergency, and can reduce confusion and panic in the event of an actual emergency. Azle ISD conducts all required safety drills each semester in accordance with the mandatory drill requirements designated by the Texas State School Safety Center.

Standard Response Protocol - Azle ISD has adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) provided by the Texas School Safety Center in partnership with the I Love U Guys Foundation as our emergency response procedures for all schools and facilities district-wide. This Protocol helps foster a safe learning and working environment for our students and staff. Standard Response Protocol (SRP) procedures are clearly displayed in every classroom across the district.

Emergency Operation Plans - All campuses have Multi-hazard Emergency Operation Plans (EOP) and review these annually with all staff. Please note, that for privacy reasons and to protect against those who would do harm, we do not release specific information on our emergency plans. Parents should be aware that during crisis situations only emergency personnel will be allowed to enter a campus, therefore, parents are advised not to come to the school during an emergency event.

Visitor Management System - The Raptor Technologies Visitor Management system is used for emergency management and to verify and check-in all campus visitors (verified per Driver License Scan). The Raptor system combines best practices to help provide Azle ISD with a comprehensive solution that includes drill management, active incident management, and parent-student reunification.

Crisis Alert System - The Centegix CrisiAlert system includes wearable push-button badges for ALL employees, including substitutes. When a button is pushed three times, the system notifies the campus response team of the exact location of the staff member. When a button is pushed repeatedly, a campus lockdown is initiated. When a campus lockdown or other standard response protocol measure is initiated, everyone on campus is notified via strobes in the classrooms and hallways, along with automatic screen takeover of devices connected to our district Wi-Fi.

Controlled Vestibules - All Azle ISD buildings have secure vestibules with protective shatter-proof window treatments and controlled access. All exterior doors remain locked during the school day. Parents and visitors are required to “Buzz-in” at the front door of ALL campuses. Classroom doors at all campuses are also locked during the school day.

Student ID - All secondary students (grades 7-12) are required to wear student IDs daily.

Threat Assessment - Azle ISD has implemented a threat assessment protocol, which includes a threat assessment team at both the district and campus levels. All Azle ISD employees receive training in bullying, suicide prevention, and mental health awareness. Our staff includes two mental health/crisis intervention counselors who are devoted to helping the various needs of students and parents at all grade levels.

School safety is a shared responsibility. Azle ISD promotes a culture of staff members getting to know our students. This helps with identifying students who may be going through a difficult time. It also fosters a trust in which students will notify staff, teachers, or an administrator of potential dangers. Administration, faculty, and staff are encouraged to be visible in the hallways and aware of their surroundings. 

We encourage our students to “See Something, Say Something” anytime they have a concern by talking to a trusted staff member. Azle ISD has an anonymous tip line available on our website and through the Azle ISD app for reporting concerns as well. 

We appreciate the understanding of our parents as we enforce these safety protocols. Anyone with questions should contact Azle ISD Chief of Police Darren Brockway at dbrockway@azleisd.net or 817-270-1727.